Struggling to Learn the
Bagpipes?
Learn from a piper who has been teaching online for nearly 20 years.
THERE IS HOPE
Anyone can learn the bagpipes with the right teacher.
Everything you need to learn the bagpipes in one place.
- Step by Step Video Lessons.
- Interactive Tunes and Exercises.
- Tuning and Maintenance Videos.
- 1-on-1 Coaching.
- Track Your Progress.
- Certificate of Completion.
- Email support for any question.
Yes, It Really Is Possible!
With the Highland Bagpipe Academy, you’ll learn how to finally play the bagpipes.
ENROLL NOW
In The Next Year, You Could Be…
- Playing the bagpipes for friends and family.
- Wearing a kilt and marching in a parade with your new pipe band.
- Playing at your local highland games or Celtic festival.
The right learning environment moves can make all the difference. We’ll cover it all in Highland Bagpipe Academy.
INTRODUCING
The Highland Bagpipe Academy
Are You Ready To Finally Learn the Bagpipes?
In this course we will teach you everything you need to know to learn the bagpipes. You’ll learn how to:
- Play all the notes and embellishments needed to play the bagpipes.
- Properly tune and maintain a bagpipe.
- 30+ tunes.
With a simple shift in your mindset and a better practice routine, you could become the piper you have always wanted to.
Step by Step Lessons
20+ hours of high quality easy to follow step by step video lessons with interactive sheet music and audio make these lessons intuitive and fun.
Tunes
30+ interactive tune tutorials using sound slice technology broken down by phrase with adjustable tempos and tips on how to play the tune properly.
Tuning/Maintenance
Learn to tune your drones and bagpipe chanter with proven techniques while addressing maintenance issues that can affect your tuning success.
What's Included In The Highland Bagpipe Academy...
The lessons are in video format, and they come with interactive sheet music. This combination creates an optimal learning experience for the user.
The Practice Chanter
You will spend a large amount of time playing your practice chanter, it's an important part of playing the bagpipes. Lessons about the practice chanter include:
- Parts of the practice chanter.
- Buying a practice chanter.
- Holding and blowing a practice chanter.
- Maintenance and tuning on a practice chanter.
Bagpipe Music Theory
Before we start learning the pipes there is a little music theory we must learn first. In these lessons, you’ll learn:
- Music terminology.
- Time signatures and note values.
- Dots, cuts and tied notes.
Beginner Bagpipe Embellishments
The initial embellishments you learn on the bagpipes will set you up to play all the others, here you’ll learn:
- Strikes.
- Grace notes.
- Doublings.
- Throws.
- Grips.
Novice Bagpipe Embellishments
We will delve deeper into the world of embellishments and discover some of the finest ones. Here you’ll learn:
- More grace notes.
- Taorluaths.
- High G strikes.
- Birls.
- Tachums.
Advanced Bagpipe Embellishments
In this section, we will study some of the more intricate embellishments and the most effective techniques to master them.
- Strathspey movement.
- G-D-E movements.
- Half doublings.
- Doubling strikes.
- Slides and slurs.
Bagpipe Maintenance and Tuning
In this section, we will study the proper and most effective way to maintain and tune your bagpipes. You' ll learn:
- Drone reed manipulation and adjustments.
- Drone tuning for optimal sound and pressure.
- Pipe chanter tuning.
- Pipe chanter reed manipulation for the perfect sounding and playing reed.
- Getting the pipes up and building stamina with better blowing.
- Proper maintenance; hemping, oiling, waxing and humidification.
30+ Bagpipe Tunes
I teach each tune in a video phrase by phrase slowly while talking about the important nuances and strategies to effectively play each tune. All tunes and exercises come with interactive sheet music where you can control the tempo and section you wish to work on. You' ll learn:
- Songs.
- 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 and 6/8 marches.
- Jigs, reels and hornpipes.
- Slow airs.
1-on-1 Bagpipe Coaching
A few private lessons can go along way. You receive individualized attention so we can concentrate on what you need and want to work on. Whether it's a specific tune or embellishment, 1-on-1 lessons will greatly improve your playing. Available for all Highland Bagpipe Academy members.
The Highland Bagpipe Academy Is For You If...
- You don't have the time to drive to lessons.
- You don't live by an experienced instructor.
- You enjoy learning at your own pace.
- Private lessons are not within your budget.
- You wish to learn from Peter Purvis from Gaelic Strom.
"I started playing the bagpipes when I was kid and then stopped for 20 years... these lessons are perfect for me to get back up and playing again. The lessons are done in such detail that it's impossible not to figure it out. I wish these lessons were available 20 years ago I might have never quite."
- Erin Foster
"Pete is such a patient and encouraging teacher, Our 10 year old has been taking private lessons with Pete and is a member of his online site. He also was able to get us a great deal on a set pf pipes from Scotland"
-Lizz Schumer
"I'm a retired cop and always wanted to learn the bagpipes, but it always looked so hard and I never had time. Well, I finally have time and now I'm learning from Pete on his website and from private lessons via FaceTime and couldn't be happier. He breaks everything down so even an old stubborn fart like me can learn."
- Michael McLachlan
NICE TO MEET YOU
Peter Purvis
I grew up in the small village of Merrickville, located in the Ottawa Valley, Canada -- An area famous for its fiddle players, step dancing and maple syrup.
I began playing the Highland pipes at the age of 12 and began playing the Uilleann pipes and Irish whistle at the age of 16. Growing up, I had great opportunities to play with some of Canada's finest pipe bands and receive lessons from some of the best-known pipers in the world. It was these lessons from elite pipers at a very young age that helped to mold me into the player I am today.
I have an accomplished solo career, winning several championship supreme titles in North America as well as gold medals in both light music and Piobaireachd at the North American championships. My solo career took me to Gr. 1 before taking a leave from competitions to play with the internationally touring band, Gaelic Storm.
I have been a part of the band Gaelic Storm since 2004. I have recorded 2 DVDs and 11 albums with the band, 8 of which were #1 in World music on the Billboard charts. Gaelic Storm has earned a reputation as one of the world-music scene’s preeminent Celtic bands. The group’s ability to deftly incorporate a rock sensibility into their sound affords them rare crossover appeal.
When I'm not on the road with the band, I teach the highland pipes, uilleann pipes and tin whistle online and out of my home in Chicago. I'm also a registered piano technician "Piano Tuner" in Chicago. When I'm not busy touring, teaching or tuning you can find me running marathons or spending time with my wonderful wife and 2 kids.
"For the price of one lesson I have got lessons for my son for an entire month. Thanks so much, this is great."
- Cynthia Thompson
"Thanks again for setting up the tunes for our band's new MSR set. I'm already benefiting from the lessons."
- Brian Pack
"I've been taking the online lessons, and they are very helpful. Pete has a great site!"
- Jarred Hurley
GET STARTED TODAY!
Highland Bagpipe Academy
30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
If you aren’t completely satisfied with The Highland Bagpipe Academy, let us know within the first 30-days for a full refund. No questions asked.